LETTERS: Just as we thought we were beginning to see our way out of the woods, we are confronted with another possible virus threat from a new Covid-19 strain.
As an immediate response, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin announced a ban on travel to seven countries where the virus, known as the Omicron variant, has reared its ugly head. These countries are South Africa, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
The variant has also been detected in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Israel, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Australia. It's only a matter of time before travel restrictions to these countries are imposed. We cannot afford to take any chance even if the symptoms are less severe, as some experts believe it will be.
It has been said that patients who contracted the new variant do not experience the typical loss of taste or smell. Instead, there have been new symptoms like high pulse rate and intense fatigue.
The government's arsenal to fight the new strain will not be effective if people do not reciprocate and take remedial measures. People be prepared for stricter standard operating procedures if the new strain escapes our vigilance and outwits our border controls.
It is important for the government to monitor the situation closely and keep the rakyat informed through traditional media, social media and MySejahtera app.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
Chairman, Alliance for Safe Community
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times